Frequently Asked Questions

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

How long does it take to complete the graduate degree?

The length of time required to complete the Master of Science in Communication Sciences
and Disorders degree depends on whether a student is full time or part time and how
the student performs in class. A full time student taking the recommended course load
of graduate credit hours could possibly complete the Master's degree in approximately
5 semesters (21 months) if the student registers for classes during the summer semester.
A minimum of 42 graduate credit hours for the thesis option or non-thesis option is
required to complete the degree. Clinical practica courses may not be used to satisfy
degree requirements; however, practica courses are required for students seeking licensure
and/or certification as speech-language pathologists.

Are financial aid and/or assistantships available for students working on a degree
in this area?

The Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree program has a
limited number of graduate assistantships available. Assistantships are awarded on
a competitive basis and are available for every academic semester of the year. Other
aid may be available depending on your financial status. Visit (Web site) to learn
what is available.

How do I apply for a graduate assistantship?

Students must apply for graduate assistantships through Southeastern's Human Resources web site. All employment, including graduate assistantships, must be completed online. The
site is searchable for particular positions, e.g., graduate assistantships.

What is the amount of a graduate assistantship?

Assistantships for Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants begin at $9,000 for
the academic year (fall and spring semesters). Students receiving an assistantship
also receive a tuition waiver; this includes non-resident fees for students who are
not legal residents of Louisiana. The financial package for a Louisiana resident student
receiving an assistantship for fall and spring semester including a tuition waiver
is valued just over $13,000.

What is required of a student receiving a graduate assistantship?

Job responsibilities and tasks are different depending on which type of graduate assistantship,
i.e., TA, or RA,a student receives. All students on graduate assistantships are required
to work an average of 20 hours per week and must register for a minimum full course
load of graduate credit hours, which is 9 hours per fall and spring semester. Students
receiving a graduate assistantship in the summer are required to work an average of
20 hours per week and register for6 graduate credit hours of course work.

Hourly rate for more than 25 hrs/wk..$28.33 per hour - Full time hourly rates may
appear lower than part-time pay rates; however, full time employees receive company
financed benefits such as health insurance, retirement, and paid vacations.

During the more than 20 years that American Speech-Language Hearing Association has
been collecting salary data, salaries have increased by about 250%.